Rolling Ball Chase on the Floor
Roll a soft ball toward your baby and encourage them to reach, grab, or crawl after it — a classic activity that motivates movement across the floor.
What You'll Need
- 1Soft lightweight ball (fabric or rubber)
What You'll Need
A soft, lightweight ball — a fabric ball or small rubber ball works great
How to Play
Clear a stretch of floor space so your baby has room to move. A hallway works surprisingly well.
Set your baby on their tummy or in a sitting position at one end of the space. Sit a few feet away facing them.
Roll the ball gently toward your baby. Aim for it to stop right within arm's reach. Say "Here comes the ball!" as you roll it.
Watch your baby's eyes follow the ball — that's visual tracking at work. Encourage them to reach for it.
When your baby grabs the ball, celebrate! Clap and say "You got it!" Then gently take it back and roll again.
Now try rolling the ball just slightly past your baby, off to one side. This encourages them to turn, pivot, or reach across their body.
For babies who are starting to crawl (typically 7-10 months), roll the ball a little farther away so they have to scoot or crawl to reach it. The ball becomes the motivation to move.
Let your baby explore the ball between rolls — squeezing, mouthing, and passing it between hands are all valuable play.
Tips
A ball with a textured surface gives your baby more grip and more sensory input when they finally grab it.
Don't worry if your baby doesn't chase the ball right away. Younger babies will track it with their eyes and reach for it, which is the perfect starting point.
Try rolling the ball toward your baby from different angles — left, right, and straight on. Each angle challenges a slightly different set of muscles.
If you have a slightly bumpy ball (like a knobby sensory ball), it rolls more slowly and unpredictably, which makes it easier to catch and more interesting to watch.
This is one of those rare activities that grows with your baby. A 4-month-old will track and reach. A 10-month-old will crawl after it at full speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 10 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: soft lightweight ball (fabric or rubber).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 0-12 months. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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